Champions League

Fabinho's warning to Vinicius before the rematch

Liverpool were the second-best away side in the Premiership

By Charles Cornwall

Liverpool were the second-best away side in the Premiership

The numbers don't lie: last season, Liverpool were the second-best away side in the Premiership (43 points) behind only champions City (46). And that is where their title chances are slipping away, as they were eliminated in the last 32 of the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup in their visits to Brighton (2-1) and the Etihad (3-2). This season, moreover, they slipped up in their first five outings in all competitions and it was not until the sixth, in Glasgow, that they thrashed Rangers 7-1.

 

Ancelotti: "The game against Liverpool has pitfalls... and we have to avoid them". An away debut in a Champions League in which they also suffered a heavy defeat in Naples (4-1). "It's my worst game since I've been at Liverpool. Eight out of 11 players were below their level. We have to realise that we have to defend to have a chance," Klopp said at the time. They went on to beat Rangers and Ajax 3-0 away in the groups to go through as runners-up. Now, they face the challenge of winning at the Santiago Bernabeu by three goals to level the tie and by four to go through after the 2-5 first leg.

At the Bernabeu you have to take risks but they are very dangerous with space. We're going there to try to win the game and we'll see. Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool manager "I think it's decided, but in three weeks, as the match approaches.... But now, at 2-5, the tie is decided. You have to take risks there but they are very dangerous with space. We're going there to try to win the game and we'll see," said Klopp. They have won just one game in their last five (2-0 at Newcastle) away from Anfield. Two out of eight in 2023 as visitors. "At this moment, you can't rely on Liverpool. Anyone who plays against them has a chance," confessed former player Ian Wright. "They have a small-team mentality," said former United player Rio Ferdinand.

 

<strong>Fabinho ready for a miracle</strong>

Fabinho on Vinicius Junior: "Vini is in an incredible moment in his career. He is one of Real Madrid's top players. In the first leg he showed why he is at that level, especially in the first goal he scored. It will be a big challenge to stop him. We have nothing to lose. Everyone expects Real Madrid to win the match and go through to the quarter-finals. We have a responsibility to wear the Liverpool shirt and try to play our best football."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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